Kanthapura

The voice of the narrator, her character, sense of humour, worldview, & her connection to & love for her community are so strong in this tale of Gandhian satyagraha & Congress' efforts at swaraj come to small-town South India. Our narrator - an older aunty of the village of Kanthapura - is the perfect voice to communicate the experience of this time for everyday rural Indians, and her story unfolds as if she is relating a series of events to us, perhaps acquaintances or family of a neighbouring village. Those with an interest or familiarity with the history will perhaps get more out of it, as there are many layers of tradition, cultural practice, & politics to process, but there is a handy glossary of cultural terms for the less familiar. An immersive & wonderfully captivating read.